For the budget conscious TV shopper, there are a lot of great values in the 40 to 45 inch HDTV category for 2008. And for many media rooms, a 40, 42 or 45 inch TV is the perfect size for optimal viewing.

These mid-size HTDVs offer all the features of 46 inch or larger screens and generally less visible motion blur or other image flaws than the larger size models. Prices will run from as low as $1,000 to as much as $4,000 for a fully loaded top-of-the-line Plasma model in the 40 to 45 inch category.

You’ll find great prices and lots of choices this holiday season or wait until January and you may find an even better deal on these HDTV models! Read on and learn which models offer the best picture quality, features and overall value in our 40 inch to 45 inch HDTV Shootout.

Plasma or LCD?

First thing is to decide whether you need the better image quality of Plasma or not. With the manufacturers all offering improved LCD technology this year, a mid-size LCD HDTV may be the way to go for best value and service life.

On the other hand, with production of 40 to 45 inch plasma models in full swing now, you can also find great values in the Plasma category. Truly in this category you can’t go wrong with either Plasma or LCD. Go to a retailer and ask to view the types of movies and TV shows you like to watch on each model you’re considering.

Try to sit the same distance from the screen as you will at home when viewing demo TVs in the showrooms. If you can’t see a huge difference between your favorite LCD and Plasma models then you might not want to spend the extra money on Plasma.

Why a 40 to 45 Inch Screen?

The most obvious answer is price; you’ll get more TV for your money in the mid-size range, but there are other reasons to consider going with a 40 to 45 inch television. For one thing, if you aren’t a true couch potato then the extra cost of a larger TV might not make sense.

Also, if you already have a media room with a 50 inch or larger HDTV and need something for your second home, bedroom, game room, etc. then a mid-size TV is a good choice.

Lastly, if the viewing distance will be less than about 10 feet, a bigger TV might not even make sense. For more information, please refer to our article on Getting The Right TV Screen Size for your room.

What Features Do I Need in a 40 to 45 Inch TV?

Features abound in the mid-size HDTV category. HDMI, USB and other ports and connectors are standard faire. Look at the location of connectors and formats you commonly use. If you have a Sony digital camera, a Sony HDTV with memory stick reader is handy. Built in memory card and SD readers are common on many models as well.

Consider your home theater needs as well; if you don’t need full surround sound you should listen to the models you’re considering closely; the base and range of speakers and onboard digital surround sound varies greatly between the models we have reviewed.

If you have or are planning to install a complete home theater system you may not need anything more than basic speakers built into your TV.

Which Plasma 40 to 45 Inch LCD Should I Get?

Panasonic and Sony both offer great Plasma screen TVs in 40 to 45 inch screen sizes. Hitachi, LG, Samsung and Pioneer also offer great models.

Perhaps in no other HDTV category can you find great prices on Plasma technology in 2008. Read our full reviews on Plasma screen HDTVs between 40 and 45 inches for ratings and detailed product reviews:

• Editor’s Choice: Panasonic TH-46PZ85U
• Editor’s Choice: Samsung PS42C96HD Plasma TV
• Hitachi 42PD5200 Plasma TV
• LG 42PC1RR Plasma TV
• Panasonic TH42PX60 Plasma TV
• Pioneer PDP4270XA Plasma TV

Which LCD 40 to 45 Inch LCD Should I Get?

Sony and Samsung both offer great values in the 40 inch LCD HDTV category. LG, Toshiba and HP also offer models. In fact, all the major TV brands offer choices in the mid-size screen sizes reviewed here.

Read our full reviews on the following models for more detailed product information and owner ratings:

• Editor’s Choice: Sony KDL40W3000 40 Inch LCD TV
• Editor’s Choice: Samsung LN40A550 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review
• Samsung LN-T4061F 40-inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review
• LG 42LB5D LCD TV 42-inch 1080p LCD Flat Panel HDTV
• Toshiba REGZA 40″ Super Narrow Bezel 1080p LCD HDTV
• HP LC4276N 42-inch High-Definition 1080p LCD TV

Conclusion

If you are looking for great value in an HDTV that feels “large screen” without spending a fortune the 40 to 45 inch size is hard to beat; you get the screen size that actually best fits most TV viewing spaces optimally. People who buy a 46 inch or larger screen that sits less than ten or twelve feet from their couch or favorite arm chair may be disappointed vs. those who opt for a mid-size model.

With so many great models available in the category, finding an HDTV with 40, 42 or 45 inch screen size is easy enough, whether you want the color and motion image quality of Plasma or find the newer technology in LCD models suitable to your viewing needs.